The Rutgers offense has thrived under new offensive coordinator (and former Kansas State head coach) Ron Prince (photo by Rutgers athletic PR).

The Mustangs begin play against American Athletic Conference opponents at 11 a.m. Saturday when they host Rutgers at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. To get a glimpse at a mostly unfamiliar opponent, PonyFans.com visited with Kevin Recio, managing editor of OnTheBanks.com.

PonyFans.com: Rutgers had seven players drafted by NFL teams and eight more got into NFL camps as undrafted free agents. With that exodus of talent, what are the strongest areas or position groups on the roster?

OnTheBanks.com: The majority of those players drafted were on defense, so many expected the offense to be the centerpiece this year. Without a doubt, that has been the case this year. Quarterback Gary Nova is playing like a leader on offense, coming up big in the fourth quarter against Arkansas. Paul James was the nation's leading rusher entering week four, and a talented and experienced offensive line is opening up plenty of holes for the rest of the running backs. Also, don't forget about junior wide receiver Brandon Coleman, who is projected to be a potential first-rounder by many draftniks.

PonyFans.com: In the season opener, Rutgers gave up 53 points in an overtime loss to Fresno State. Since then, the Scarlet Knights have given up just over 11 points per game. What changed?

OnTheBanks.com: Quality of competition is the main factor. The Scarlet Knights overpowered Norfolk State and perennial bottom-feeder Eastern Michigan, so the defensive numbers are inflated (deflated?) … Arkansas was a good litmus test, as the Razorbacks have legit SEC talent on offense and defense. Another factor was that the back seven of the defense was overhauled after last year's entire secondary left to play on Sundays. Going up against Derek Carr and a pass-happy defense was not the best tune-up for the season. It should be a very interesting matchup with Garrett Gilbert against the RU defensive backfield.

PonyFans.com: Rutgers grew into a more nationally visible team under Greg Schiano, who now is the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When Schiano left for the NFL, the school promoted former offensive line coach Kyle Flood, who announced his arrival last season by leading the Scarlet Knights to the Big East championship and being named Big East Coach of the Year in his first season at the helm. How is the team different under Flood?

OnTheBanks.com: Greg Schiano is currently under fire for an 0-4 start in Tampa Bay, and players are complaining of his militaristic way of doing things. When Kyle Flood took over, the team immediately noticed the change in demeanor, with many saying Flood is less of a “screamer.” I think the best part of Kyle Flood as head coach is that he has kept the “Keep Chopping” culture that Schiano started at Rutgers, but was able to elevate the program to another level. Under Schiano, the last game against Arkansas probably would have been a loss, but Flood has been able to close out those types of games (some describe him as being a better gameday coach). Furthermore, with the current commitments for the class of 2014, Kyle Flood seems like a perfect fit for Rutgers. It's important to remember, though, that this is against the American/former Big East. For many fans, the real test will be how Flood stacks up against the Big Ten Conference (starting in 2014).

PonyFans.com: Paul James is leading the Scarlet Knights with an average of 143.2 rushing yards per game, the fourth-highest average yards per game in the country among players on FBS teams. Of whom does James remind you, and what does he do best?

Some have projected receiver Brandon Coleman as a future first-round NFL draft pick (photo by Rutgers athletic PR).

OnTheBanks.com: Paul James is the quintessential power back. He is a downhill runner who punishes opposing defenders. James may not be the fastest back or have the best moves, but he has incredible vision and patience that has given him more runs of 50-plus yards this season than (current Baltimore Raven star) Ray Rice has had in his entire career. He reminds me of Beanie Wells, a downhill runner who overpowered defenders more so than evading them.

PonyFans.com: Quarterback Gary Nova was named American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week two weeks ago after passing for 346 yards and three touchdowns in the Scarlet Knights' comeback win over Arkansas. Who relies on the other more — James or Nova?

OnTheBanks.com: While the running game is such an integral part of offensive coordinator Ron Prince's gameplan, James was an unknown commodity heading into the season and really surprised everyone — including Rutgers fans — with his explosive production. Nova was expected to improve after a great offseason, and for the most part he has done that. It's tough to say that either player really relies on the other, but I will acknowledge that both feed off of the other's energy. Arkansas was a little bit different, as James was injured in the second half and didn't have the running game as a safety net. I think that makes Nova's performance in the fourth quarter all the more impressive.

PonyFans.com: The Rutgers defense is led in tackles by linebackers Steve Longa (with 36) and Kevin Snyder (30), and in sacks by defensive end Marcus Thompson (with 3.5). What is the strength of the Rutgers defense?

OnTheBanks.com: The defensive line is without a doubt the strength of this year's defense. Defensive line coach Jim Panagos has plenty to work with, as former five-star recruit Darius Hamilton is transitioning perfectly as a starter in the three-technique role. Veteran talent resides at the nose tackle and at the end positions, and the aforementioned Marcus Thompson set a goal of 24 sacks this season (he's a little behind).

PonyFans.com: Based on what you have seen from the Scarlet Knights, and interviews you have done with players and coaches, what should be Rutgers' biggest concern about the matchup with SMU?

OnTheBanks.com: SMU's passing game versus the rebuilt Rutgers secondary. Short, intermediate passes have been a serious thorn in the side of the defense, and coupled with a high-tempo attack, RU can fall victim to missed tackles and blown coverage. Even against a horrid EMU offense, quarterback Tyler Benz was still able to throw for 335 yards against the Rutgers back seven.

PonyFans.com: What's your prediction for Saturday's game?

OnTheBanks.com: I think Garrett Gilbert will be able to move the ball against Rutgers, but turnovers will be his undoing. 31-17, Rutgers.